The King is Dead

Product Information

On the other hand, I had issues with the pacing and predictability of the plot, with the mystery, plot twists and ultimate conclusion sadly falling a bit flat, along with the romance. Then there is Ryan, the young English actor heading towards his big break, but why is he determined to expose the world he is about to enter? As we’re hearing his thoughts from the outset, we learn early on that James is gay, though the identity of his boyfriend remains a secret for the first few chapters. It took me a little bit of time to get into the story, but once I did I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!

Benjamin Dean | 9781398512573 | NetGalley How To Die Famous | Benjamin Dean | 9781398512573 | NetGalley

A moreish mashup of scandalous thriller and royal intrigue combines with smart observations on race and power, underpinned with real heart. He has interviewed a host of glitzy celebrities and broke the news that Rihanna can't wink (she blinks, in case you were wondering). There were times when I thought that events could have happened without that explanation, leaving the reader to infer what the author intends them to mean. There were some side characters with backstories so interesting that I wish we had been able to spend more time on hearing about them. I loved the characters and was rooting for them all the way through; the side of romance was perfect and there were many moments that had me giggling.Overall, a quick and punchy read, and I'm glad that more queer royals stories are being published in YA—this one just wasn't quite for me. I wasn’t entirely sold on how James could tell someone he loved them for the first time, find out they’re missing, then fall for someone else almost immediately afterwards. This book needs a Netflix adaptation and a sequel, like, yesterday, and it hasn’t even been released yet! So when his father dies abruptly, he’s suddenly given a dose of massive responsibility as the new King.

The King is Dead By Benjamin Dean | Used | 9781398512542 The King is Dead By Benjamin Dean | Used | 9781398512542

He begins to question everything and everyone, getting lost in scandals, mystery and a whole lot of politics. This deliciously dark and addictive YA thriller follows the lives of the young, rich and famous through relationships, loves lost alongside struggles to stay alive. This book was a good mystery, and I liked the way that the author acknowledged that there were people upset about the changes in the monarchy and the very existence of that monarchy. But he's an easy MC to root for, as his struggle is one that I can see almost definitely happening to a Black person in line for a major throne.I don’t frequently read thrillers but I have loved Benjamin Dean’s other books and knew I would love this one too.

The King Is Dead by Benjamin Dean | Goodreads The King Is Dead by Benjamin Dean | Goodreads

Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First ‘A scandalous peek behind the royal curtain, with more jaw-dropping, OMG-twists than even the most salacious tabloid journalist could create.

A scandalous, twisty mystery that had me on the edge of my seat gasping for more, right until the end of the last page. Gossip Girl but make it royal – a Black LGBTQ+ royal reimagining full of scandalous secrets, rollercoaster romances and one hell of a mystery. The racism experienced by Alexandra as the first Black British queen, the way the press compared her to their perfect, white princess Catherine, echoes the fabricated rivalry of Meghan and Kate. Overnight, it’s as if his entire secret-catalogue is on display, scandals that he kept close to his chest sprawled across the front pages, leaked online for the world to see.